Annyeong haseyo, travel adventurers! I’m your guide, coming to you from the beach. Actually, the public accesses a sand beach for swimming at Long Beach Island at NYS.

My original plan for today was to explore the village of Atlantic Beach, NY. However, as any seasoned traveler knows, the secret to a successful trip is doing your homework before you ever leave the terminal. While standing at JFK Airport, I took a moment to pause and reflect on local regulations.

Lessons from the Hudson Valley

Why the sudden caution? I learned a hard lesson in the past while visiting a village in the Hudson Valley. Even though that area boasts beautiful beaches along the Hudson River, I discovered that beach access there is often subject to high restrictions. I didn’t want to repeat that mistake here on the coast. Before hitting the road, I spent time studying Google Maps to ensure I could actually reach the water.

Navigating the Route

After careful study, I drafted a specific route to navigate the coastal geography and bypass the restricted zones of Atlantic Beach to find the perfect public access point in Long Island.

Here is the step-by-step journey:

Stage	Directional Instructions	Beauty
Departure	Start at Place (JFK Airport).
Expressway	Accept and pay the toll fee to enter the Nassau Expressway.	The concrete gives way to vast fields of tall phragmite reeds, tidal mudflats, and saltwater marshes. Depending on the tide, you can spot local coastal wildlife—such as great egrets, herons, and migratory waterfowl—wading right in the shallow waters along the perimeter of the airfield.
The Bridge	Cross the Atlantic Beach Bridge to enter the island.	Because the bridge rises high above the flat barrier island landscape, it offers an immediate, spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Reynolds Channel.
Initial Loop	Drive onto Park Street, then make a right turn on Albany Boulevard.	Straight ahead, the low-lying coastal architecture of Atlantic Beach unfolds, with the deep blue horizon line of the open Atlantic Ocean visible just beyond the dunes on a clear day.
Ocean View	Turn left onto Ocean Boulevard, go straight, and then turn left at Suffolk Boulevard.	This stretch features prominent beachfront properties, spanning from historic cedar-shake beach cottages to massive, modern custom builds.
Backtrack	Turn left on Park Street and drive straight back to Albany Boulevard.	we will see a pristine mix of mid-century “Hi-Ranch” coastal homes from the 1950s and 60s sitting directly alongside radically updated, ultra-modern custom builds with massive glass facades.
The Bay Side	Make a right turn and go straight toward Bay Boulevard.	Driving west puts the water directly on the passenger side, offering expansive views of the channel and the distant local marinas across the water.
One-Way Path	Follow the one-way direction of the Bay Boulevard road, then turn right on Richard Street.	The residential architecture here shifts dramatically to accommodate the lifestyle, featuring custom multi-tier waterfront homes with private docks, seawalls, and vessels.
Final Stretch	Turn left at Beech Street and continue straight as the road becomes West Beech Street.	Some private beach clubs and their amenities -> the problem is you need to have the direct connection to the club member.
Destination	Turn right on New York Avenue to arrive at your destination.	Long Beach Island spectacular view and public sand beach swimming.

Arrival and Access

Upon arriving at Place (560 W Broadway, Long Beach, NY 11561), you will need to secure a parking spot. Note that this is a paid parking area, which is necessary to access the public ocean beach. If the primary lot is full, you can continue along West Broadway, where additional paid options are available. While weekday visits are generally straightforward, the Long Beach Station Parking Deck serves as a reliable backup during busier times. As a non-resident, I followed the required protocols by purchasing a daily guest pass. Be sure to have it ready, as you will need to present it to the lifeguard at the entrance before stepping onto the sand.

The Value of the Coast

As I finally stepped onto the sand, the logistical hurdles faded away. There is an immense, quiet value in the natural beauty of the ocean beach. The rhythmic sound of the Atlantic waves and the expansive horizon serve as a reminder of why we travel in the first place. Despite the permits, the tolls, and the complex routes, the discovery of such a pristine natural landscape makes every bit of planning worth the effort.

Happy travels, and I hope you enjoy the surf!

annyeonghi gaseyo